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Hiro Mashima, the celebrated creator ofFairy Tail, an anime that has captured the attention of audiences across the world, has always been candid about his creative journey. This includes the challenges he faced when adapting his manga into an anime.
In a surprising revelation, during an interview, Mashima admitted that he initially lacked an understanding of voice acting. He did not know anything and overlooked the importance of voice actors, their casting, and their subsequent role in anime storytelling.
This acknowledgment came with his explanation of how his perception changed and how collaboration with the voice cast significantly shapedFairy Tailinto the beloved series it is today.
Hiro Mashima thought voice acting was not important
Mashima’sFairy Tailwas already a raging phenomenon before it got adapted into anime. The author’s introduction to the art of voice acting began during the casting process. Mashima thought that Tetsuya Kakihara, the voice behindprotagonist Natsu Dragneel, immediately stood out.
Despite not knowing Kakihara beforehand or having any knowledge about how to cast voice actors for anime, authorHiro Mashima felthe would be a perfect fit for Natsu.
I’m sorry for not having studied it enough, but I was completely ignorant. I didn’t even know Kakihara-san at the time, but I remember thinking, “Natsu can only be played by this person!” The same goes for Hirano Aya, who plays Lucy.
Over time, Mashima realized the similarities between Kakihara and Natsu. He noted Kakihara’s bold and sometimes brash personality mirrored Natsu’s traits.
That guy… Ah, I said “that guy” (laughs). Kakihara-san doesn’t read the mood and has some difficult aspects, so he’s just like Natsu.So when I talk to him, I get the illusion that Natsu has jumped out of the story, and it feels strange. His face is also somewhat similar. Well, maybe this is because the Natsu I draw is gradually drawn to Kakihara-san
This uncanny resemblance between the voice actor and the character he portrays even ledMashimato adjust Natsu’s character, drawing inspiration from Kakihara’s portrayal.
“She has no flame that Natsu cannot eat”: Even a Black Clover Character That Yuki Tabata Gave the Most Broken Abilities Can’t Beat Fairy Tail’s Natsu
Over time, author Hiro Mashima came to understand the massive impact that voice actors have on anime adaptation and the original work itself, with he himself beinginspired by the castmultiple times.
Voice actors in anime are the unsung heroes of anime
Working with the voice actors offered Mashima an unexpected yet profound learning experience. Each member of the cast had their own view and insight into the character, often far deeper than that imagined by the author himself.
By communicating with the VA cast and asking for their interpretations of their characters, Mashima discovered layers that he hadn’t initially envisioned while crafting the story.
“Natsu with red hair”: Fairy Tail Staff Taking on Another Hiro Mashima Adaptation Might End Horribly for the Mangaka
As the Fairy Tail anime progressed, Mashima grew to respect the craft deeply. The collaboration between the production team and thevoice cast became an integral partofFairy Tail’ssuccess. The experience taught Mashima the value of synergy and mutual respect between creators and performers.
You can streamFairy Tailon Netflix.
Chandra Shekhar
Anime Writer
Articles Published :856
Chandra Shekhar is an Anime Writer at FandomWire with over 800 published articles under his belt. A law student by training but a storyteller at heart, he blends his sharp analysis with a deep love for all things anime. From the old-school Yu Yu Hakusho to the eldritch horrors of Lord of the Mysteries, his knowledge spans decades and genres. When he’s not writing, he’s likely buried in webnovels, silently hoping his favorite ones get the anime adaptation they deserve.
